A Behavioural Remediation Program for Oral Reading: effects on errors and comprehension

Abstract This study examined the efficacy of a behavioral remediation program for oral reading on oral reading errors and comprehension of four moderately mentally retarded children. The remediation program included previewing of the target text, delayed attention to oral reading errors, and positive practice overcorrection of errors plus positive reinforcement for self‐correction of errors. A multiple‐baseline across subjects design was used, with comprehension probes scheduled once every two or three days across both baseline and remediation phases. Comprehension probes consisted of 10 questions based on the target text and aimed to assess the child's literal comprehension, interpretation and critical reading. While the results demonstrated a clear relationship between remediation and oral reading errors, the relationship between remediation and comprehension was less clear. The remediation program was effective in reducing oral reading errors and, in the course of the study, increasing comprehension scores. These results were replicated across all four subjects.